Study Zoology at The Ohio State University, a Bachelor degree offered on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 24, 2027.

About Bachelor of Zoology

Zoology is the study of animals in all major groups (invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals) and includes courses in evolution, ecology, aquatic biology, conservation, behavior, anatomy and physiology.

Zoology

Degree: BS, BA

Campus: Columbus

College: Arts and Sciences

Zoology is the study of animals, from the simplest sponges to the most advanced arthropods, mollusks and vertebrates. The zoology major is housed in the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, which offers courses in the major animal groups (e.g., invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals), as well as courses in evolution, ecology, aquatic biology, conservation, behavior, anatomy and physiology. Completion of the zoology major will provide the proper underlying preparation for post-graduate education (e.g., veterinary medicine, medicine, dentistry, optometry or graduate school), as well as for entry-level jobs across a range of animal-related occupations.

Get started

Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in zoology within the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology.

Curriculum

Zoology requirements cover both supportive courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and statistics, as well as core requirements within the major itself. Students choose one of two possible degrees:

Bachelor of Science: Requirements include two semesters of introductory biology, two semesters of general chemistry, a semester of organic chemistry, two semesters of introductory physics, a semester of calculus and a semester of statistics.

Bachelor of Arts: Requirements are similar to the BS degree, except that the introductory physics courses and statistics course may be at a lower level and the math requirement is reduced to college algebra.

The BS degree is more suitable for a student planning a career in a field where quantitative skills are helpful, including most graduate and professional programs.

Core requirements include:

Four specific courses, one each in evolution, ecology, organismal diversity and molecular genetics
Three additional courses, one course in biodiversity and two in organismal biology, all selected from a list of approved courses

In addition to core requirements, students are free to select elective courses that correspond to their areas of interest. These courses can be either within the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology or (with some restrictions) from other departments. Core courses provide a strong foundation in the most fundamental aspects of zoology, and electives permit students to go more deeply into specific areas of interest or into courses that prepare them for their post-baccalaureate career.

Study abroad

Students have the opportunity to experience biodiversity firsthand through study abroad. Tropical Field Studies is a class at Ohio State in which students travel to Panama to explore tropical biology and conduct research. This class is offered by the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology every other summer. Students may also apply to other study abroad courses offered through Ohio State, including South Africa: Exotic Animal Behavior and Welfare.

Internship

Zoology majors seek out internships in zoos, aquaria, and science and wildlife centers. Students are encouraged to apply for internships in state or federal agencies that focus on environmental and conservation issues.

Honors and Scholars

Zoology students in the Honors Program are encouraged to meet with the Honors zoology advisor early in their career to map out a challenging Honors program in zoology. Honors students are particularly encouraged to make research (including, possibly, an Honors thesis) part of their undergraduate experience.

The Ohio State Scholars Program features residential communities for students who share academic interests and career aspirations. Scholars programs of particular interest to zoology students are the Biological Sciences and Health Sciences Scholars programs. The Biological Sciences Scholars Program emphasizes research, with individualized advising and significant lab and field experience. The Health Sciences Scholars Program is focused on preparing students for careers in health sciences and related professions.

Research

The Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology strongly encourages students majoring in zoology to become involved in research. Participating in research helps students develop scientific curiosity and gives students a basis for deciding whether a research career is a good fit for their interests. For information about finding a meaningful research experience, students are encouraged to contact the departmental undergraduate research coordinator.

Zoology students are also encouraged to take summer courses at Ohio Stateâ€™s â€œIsland Campus,â€ Stone Laboratory, located on Gibraltar Island in Put-in-Bay harbor, South Bass Island, Lake Erie. This biological field station and research laboratory offers introductory and upper-level courses in biological sciences and is especially suited for field-based courses, such as field ecology and aquatic biology.

Student organizations

The Zoology Club affords another opportunity for becoming more acquainted with the field of zoology. The club is led by undergraduates (with a faculty advisor) and is dedicated to furthering the interests of zoology majors by providing opportunities to interact with faculty, to discuss careers and research areas with scientists from Ohio State and elsewhere, and to participate in service activities.

Possible careers

A BA or BS in zoology is a liberal arts degree, and graduates may pursue careers for which a liberal education is the prerequisite. Entry level positions would also be open in the sciences, life sciences and biology. For instance, a student with a zoology major would be qualified for a position as a research assistant, technician, or staff member in a research laboratory or in a private company dealing with biological supplies or services.

For positions at a more advanced level, advanced training at the professional or graduate level is usually necessary.

Careers that deal with animals would likely be of particular interest to those who major in zoology. These would include working in a zoo or with federal, state and local agencies, environmental protection, or the park service. Major universities and contract research organizations also hire entry-level technicians to staff their research laboratories. Positions with private consulting firms and nonprofit organizations are also open to zoology majors, and, depending on a studentâ€™s interests and background, might include such things as research or writing environmental impact statements.

Zoology students may also intend to pursue a professional degree in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, an allied field or in environmental law. With proper selection of courses, the necessary preparation for these professional programs can usually be satisfied in the major.

Zoology students who plan to teach in the life sciences at the middle-school or high-school level may obtain a masterâ€™s degree in education with one year of graduate work.

A major in zoology provides a good general background in the biological sciences, and thus is excellent preparation for any student wishing to pursue an advanced degree. Students completing a graduate degree in zoology often pursue jobs as teachers in colleges and universities, and such positions provide opportunities for continuing independent research.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Zoology at The Ohio State University

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Zoology at The Ohio State University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Zoology at The Ohio State University

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.